Me: Why has Linux Mint not been updated since 2022?

Google-AI: Linux Mint has actually not stopped updating since 2022; in fact, multiple major and point versions have been released since then, including the highly updated Linux Mint 22 series. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The confusion likely stems from how Linux Mint handles its underlying software base, its long-term support (LTS) lifecycle, or a recent change to its release schedule. [5, 6]
## 1. The 2-Year Ubuntu LTS Core
Linux Mint is built on top of Ubuntu Long Term Support (LTS). Ubuntu only releases a new LTS base once every two years (such as Ubuntu 22.04 in 2022, and Ubuntu 24.04 in 2024). [6]

*
* The Software Stays Frozen: Once a base is chosen, Linux Mint intentionally freezes core application versions to ensure maximum system stability. [6, 7, 8]
* Updates are Behind the Scenes: While you do not see major visual feature updates every month, your system receives daily security patches and bug fixes. [6, 9, 10]
*

## 2. Manual Upgrades Are Required
If your system is stuck on a version from 2022 (like Linux Mint 21), it will not automatically upgrade to the next major version (like Linux Mint 22). [11, 12, 13]

*
* Major version upgrades change the underlying core architecture.
* To get the latest updates, you must manually launch the Update Manager, click Edit, and select Upgrade to Linux Mint [Version]. [11]
*

## 3. A Shift to a Longer Release Cycle (2026 Policy Change)
If you have noticed a slowdown in brand-new version releases recently, it is because of a deliberate policy change announced by the developers. [5]

*
* Quality Over Calendar: The development team moved to a longer development cycle to spend less time on release management overhead and more time on major quality improvements. [5]
* Hardware Enablement (HWE): Even though major version numbers change less frequently, Linux Mint regularly issues HWE ISO images and kernel updates to ensure that new graphics cards and processors are fully supported. [3, 14, 15, 16, 17]
*

If you want to make sure your machine is running the latest software, you can open your terminal and run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to pull all remaining security patches for your current base. [9, 18, 19, 20]
To help you get completely up to date, could you tell me which version of Linux Mint your computer is currently running? (You can check by opening the terminal and typing neofetch or checking System Info in your start menu). [21, 22]

[1] [https://www.linuxmint.com](https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_wilma_whatsnew.php)
[2] [https://linuxconfig.org](https://linuxconfig.org/linux-mint-23-release-date-and-new-features)
[3] [https://www.xda-developers.com](https://www.xda-developers.com/linux-mint-skipping-new-releases-for-7-months-hwe-isos/)
[4] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy0ERAw9b-8)
[5] [https://serverspace.io](https://serverspace.io/about/blog/linux-mint-23-review-new-features-changes-and-release-details/)
[6] [https://forums.linuxmint.com](https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=419227)
[7] [https://www.reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxmint/comments/us86ka/why_doesnt_linux_mint_use_latest_versions_of/)
[8] [https://discuss.kde.org](https://discuss.kde.org/t/plasma-6-on-linux-mint-wilma/25076)
[9] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hs2opfs2Xk)
[10] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy0ERAw9b-8)
[11] [https://www.facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com/groups/linuxmintdesktop/posts/1938192310469001/)
[12] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNER7v2HV7c)
[13] [https://betawiki.net](https://betawiki.net/wiki/Linux_Mint_21)
[14] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqwBd5FcPJE)
[15] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdjB6EH3ODo)
[16] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IskEYWGKAU)
[17] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onceNbGYX5E)
[18] [https://www.facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com/groups/linuxmintdesktop/posts/2085737725714458/)
[19] [https://www.debugpoint.com](https://www.debugpoint.com/upgrade-linux-mint-22/)
[20] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ick9AhRwDfU)
[21] [https://www.atera.com](https://www.atera.com/blog/how-to-update-linux-mint/)
[22] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4bbPQAzPBE)

Me: I’d like to know when the next major release will be, to say basing it on Ubuntu 24.04?

Google-AI: The final releases based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS have already been deployed, culminating in Linux Mint 22.3 (“Zena”), which launched on January 13, 2026. [1, 2, 3]
The Linux Mint team explicitly built the entire Linux Mint 22 series (22, 22.1, 22.2, and 22.3) on the Ubuntu 24.04 package base. If you are looking for the absolute next major release of the operating system, it will move past Ubuntu 24.04 entirely: [1, 4, 5]

*
* The Next Major Release Base: The upcoming major release, Linux Mint 23, will jump forward to use the newer Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (“Resolute Raccoon”) base.
* The Release Window: Linux Mint 23 is officially scheduled to release in December 2026. [6, 7, 8]
*

Because the development team shifted to a longer development cycle to focus heavily on polishing major features (like full Wayland desktop support and a revamped system installer), they are bypassing any further Ubuntu 24.04 point variations. If you install or update to any version of Linux Mint 22 today, your system will remain fully supported with stability and security patches until April 2029. [4, 7, 9, 10, 11]
Are you planning to perform a clean installation on a machine, or are you looking to upgrade an existing system to the Mint 22 base?

[1] [https://en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Mint)
[2] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_v6Gc0-riU)
[3] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2e4dtbkgV4)
[4] [https://www.golinuxcloud.com](https://www.golinuxcloud.com/ubuntu-vs-linux-mint/)
[5] [https://www.phoronix.com](https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-Mint-22-Beta)
[6] [https://serverspace.io](https://serverspace.io/about/blog/linux-mint-23-review-new-features-changes-and-release-details/)
[7] [https://linuxconfig.org](https://linuxconfig.org/linux-mint-23-release-date-and-new-features)
[8] [https://forums.linuxmint.com](https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=467436)
[9] [https://invgate.com](https://invgate.com/itdb/linux-mint-22)
[10] [https://www.reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxmint/comments/1t1l32w/linux_mint_will_keep_its_base_uptodate_with/)
[11] [https://ostechnix.com](https://ostechnix.com/linux-mint-22-wilma-stable-will-be-released-this-month/)

Me: Just curious.

Google-AI: Fair enough! It is always great to stay informed about how your favorite operating system evolves behind the scenes.
Linux Mint’s predictable development schedule makes it very easy to track. If you ever get curious down the road, you can always expect a massive new version every two years shortly after Ubuntu puts out its newest core platform.
If you decide to try out the current versions or want to discuss any of the new features (like the Wayland support or the updated desktop environments), just let me know. What is your favorite desktop environment to use?

Me: None of your business!

Google-AI: Totally fair! I will keep the questions to myself.
If you ever want to look up more release dates, troubleshoot a command, or dive into other tech topics, just drop a message here whenever you are ready. Have a great day!

Me: Lols.

Google-AI: Glad you took it in good spirits! 😄
Whenever you want to talk shop about Linux or anything else tech-related, I’m right here.
In the meantime, enjoy your privacy, and have an excellent week ahead!